A federal judge has mandated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) perform a risk assessment on fluoride in drinking water amid growing concerns about its effects on children’s intelligence.
Fluoride is commonly added to drinking water to promote dental health, yet recent studies indicate a potential connection between increased fluoride exposure and reduced IQ levels in children.
This judicial ruling underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation of fluoride’s safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children. As the debate over fluoride’s impact continues, this assessment could lead to significant changes in public health policy regarding drinking water standards.
Sources:
- The Guardian
- EPA – Fluoride Risk Assessment and Relative Source Contribution
- EPA – Office of Water – Fluoride Risk Assessment Factsheet
h/t ExNihiloAdInfinitum